Lecture on Matisse, Derain, and the Origins of Fauvism

Introduction to Matisse and Derain

• Portrait exchange between two artists: Derain’s portrait of Matisse and Matisse’s portrait of Derain.
• Derain’s work: Masterpiece of fauvist painting.
• Fauvism: Highlighted by expressive brushwork and vibrant color.

Importance of Collioure, Summer 1905

• Matisse invites Derain to Collioure, a small village in South France.
• The environment spurred their experiments with color and brushwork.
• Matisse and Derain's work in Collioure led to a radical shift in French art.

Fauvism: Movement Origins

• Term "Fauvism" coined during the Salon d’Automne in Paris, Fall 1905.
• Fauvism means "wild beasts" in French; characterized by bold colors and brushwork.
• Matisse and Derain's works caused outrage and critical attention.

Matisse and Derain in Collioure

• Matisse: 35 years old, late bloomer in painting, met Derain at Eugène Carrière's studio.
• Derain: Started painting a few years prior; saw Matisse as a master.
• Different approaches: Derain finishes paintings while Matisse creates sketches for future works.

Artistic Techniques and Styles

• Use of arbitrary and naturalistic colors.
• Derain’s work featured bold green shadows and highlights.
• Matisse explored color with viridian greens.

Notable Works and Galleries

• Derain: "Sailboats at Collioure" and "Fishing boats at Collioure," showcasing abstraction and reality.
• Use of blocky brushstrokes to model Mediterranean light.
• Matisse: Explored abstract color relationships, using a personal and subjective palette.

Exhibition Highlights

• Matisse’s landscape works: Looser brushwork, experimental approach.
• Derain’s landscapes: Vibrant and animated with long sweeping strokes.
• Matisse developed "The Joy of Life" from sketches created in Collioure.

Matisse’s Watercolors

• Matisse returned with 40 watercolors, rarely exhibited.
• Watercolors: Portable, allowed for easy creation of sketches.

Role of Amélie Matisse

• Amélie, Matisse’s wife, modeled for both artists.
• Integral to their practice and collaboration in Collioure.

Impact and Legacy

• Fauvism: Pioneered a new pictorial language, influencing modern art.
• Matisse and Derain’s work in Collioure was initially criticized but led to critical attention.
• The use of color was liberated for modern artists.

Conclusion

• Thanks to supporting foundations and contributors for the exhibition at The Met.